BoxRec

Il Duce wrote:

Rover wrote:Holmes stopped Gomez in the amateurs. How'd it turn out when they fought as pros?

Derrick Holmes 'blasted out' Wilfredo Gomez, in one of the most awesome displays of punching power in
a lighter division, amateur or professional.

Il Duce wrote:July 20, 1974

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

North American Amateur Championships

Derrick Holmes scores a 'stunning' 1st Round (KO 1) over World Amateur Champion - Puerto Rico's Wilfredo Gomez
to win the (-54 Kg) Bantamweight Championship.

The 18 year-old American Bantamweight unloaded a tremendous right hand to the chin of the 17 year-old Gomez,
dropping him moments into the bout. The World Amateur Champion struggled to get up, but he was unaware of
where he was, forcing the Referee to call a halt to the bout, and save Gomez from further punishment.

Wilfredo Gomez had entered the ring with an incredible record of 88-2, and a winner of numerous Amateur Championships.

Il Duce wrote:In the Professional Ranks,

Where Wilfredo Gomez got another weight allowance in another Don 'Call Me Honest' King promoted bout.

C'mon Rover,,,,,,,,,,,stop playing make believe. You know nothing about the 'behind-the-scene' deals.

Il Duce wrote:Interesting that Mohamed Selim Soleim in his next bout at the 1972 Olympics (Third Round) was
'stopped' by Ireland's Amateur hopeful Neil McLaughlin, who himeslf was a decorated amateur Champion.

The 1972 (-51 Kg) Flyweight Division was 'loaded' with talent. Many 'talented' World Class boxers competed.

No disrespect to Wilfredo Gomez (less than 16 years old) losing to a tough Egyptian.

Il Duce wrote:I would have liked to see Wilfredo Gomez vs the Great Ugandan - Les Rwabwogo 'The Tororo Terror' at the Olympics.

That was the bout everyone wanted to see.

'The Tororo Terror' could punch with the best of the Flyweights.

Il Duce wrote:This is Amateur stuff only........

Les Rwabwogo,

Won a Medal at both the 1968 and 1972 Olympics.

Not sure on his Pro Ranks record.

Il Duce wrote:Leo Rwabwogo,

Never turned professional. Competed as an amateur since age 16 (1965).

Only Ugandan Boxer to win a Medal in two different Olympics 1968 and 1972.
1968 (-51 Kg) 112 lbs. Flyweight - Bronze Medal
1972 (-51 Kg) 112 lbs. Flyweight - Silver Medal

Also was very successful in International Events.

Entering the 1972 Olympics (Age 23), the 5' 4" knock-out artist was the
pre-tournament Gold Medal Favorite - had a record of 245-12 (165 KO's).

Lost in the Finals.

Faded a bit in 1973 and 1974, with not as much success.
Continued to box thru 1975 as an Amateur.
Retired in 1975, after getting eliminated in a preliminary bout in the National Championships.

Career Record........Listed at.......284-20 (187 KO's)

Il Duce wrote:When the African Nations boycotted the 1976 Olympics,

Leo Rwabwogo tried to hook up with the Dutch Promoter (Mogens Palle), who signed up many of
the African boxers.

But, at Age 27 in 1976, was considered too old for a Flyweight/Bantamweight.

Lived in poverty after leaving the Ugandan Boxing Team.

Clearly could have been a Top Flyweight from 1969 thru 1973, had he turned professional.